Rejoicing Through the Tears: Embracing God’S Hand in Cancer

Copyright © 2011 Brenda George

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Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Scripture taken from the Amplified Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

The information about thyroid cancer has been used with permission by ThyCa, The Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Cover design by Sarah George Parks

Book Illustrations by Savannah Cassidy George

ISBN: 978-1-4497-2402-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-2401-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-2400-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011914357

Printed in the United States of America

WestBow Press rev. date: 9/8/2011

Contents

Foreword

About the Author

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Disclaimer

Part One

My Life before the Diagnosis

Chapter One

My Life before Cancer

Chapter Two

The Wedding

Chapter Three

The First Doctor Visit

Chapter Four

The Vacation

Chapter Five

The Diagnosis

Part Two

My Experience with Thyroid Cancer

Chapter Six

Life Goes On . . . Or Does It?

Chapter Seven

The Surgery

Chapter Eight

The Radiation Treatment

Chapter Nine

Totally Isolated

Chapter Ten

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

Chapter Eleven

The Following Year

Part Three

There Can Be Life after

a Cancer Diagnosis

Chapter Twelve

The Nearness of God

Chapter Thirteen

The Midnight Hour

Chapter Fourteen

Things I’ve Learned The Hard Way

Chapter Fifteen

You Can Get Fit and Healthy Again

Chapter Sixteen

Keep Looking for Your Rainbow

Chapter Seventeen

An Update

Part Four

Helpful Resources

Chapter Eighteen

Special Words to Families and Caregivers of Thyroid Cancer Patients

Chapter Nineteen

Facts and Resources about Thyroid Cancer

Chapter Twenty

Uplifting Scriptures

In Conclusion

Foreword

It was a cold, rainy night. I was buckled in the backseat of my mom’s car. The windshield wipers were turned on high, and we were headed home. It might have been an ordinary night, but for some reason, it left a lasting impression upon me. My mom began to sing to my sister, brother and I, a very special song, her favorite, sounding like this: I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses.

In that bittersweet moment, I somehow realized, even at that young age of ten years old, how fragile life is, and I saw my mom as a treasured gift from God. Only he knew for how long I would have her. So I just relaxed and enjoyed the moment. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.

For my entire life, my mom has been my biggest inspiration and, next to God, my strength. There have been many times that I have needed her to lean on. There were also many times that she could have turned her back on me, but she chose to love me instead. She always saw my good qualities, yet she didn’t ignore my faults. But instead of putting me down, she pulled me up. She taught me important life lessons not only through her words, but also through the life that she lived as a true servant of God, a faithful wife, a loving mom, a respectful daughter, and a loyal friend. She daily taught me godly characteristics such as self-discipline, hard work, and motivation, alongside lots of fun, laughter, singing, dancing, and just being silly. She taught me to live my life with integrity and excellence. I have always admired her quiet strength and her faith in God. Most of all, she has taught me the meaning of love.

I know many people say this about their moms, but I really believe that my mom is my greatest gift from God. So when I got the news that she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, I was completely devastated. In denial and shock, I sat in my chair crying all night. How could this be happening? My mom had always been so full of life! She’s always had more energy than me! On rare occasions (when I would actually wake up early in the morning), I would watch her exercise. Just watching her made me tired! So how could this be happening to my mom? I didn’t understand, and like everyone else who has experienced this, thought, Why her?

What I didn’t understand then was that God had a bigger plan. One of my favorite Scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. I don’t know how many times I have found myself speaking those powerful, meaningful words over someone else’s or my own life. Even if the plans aren’t what we would have chosen, how much better our life might be if we surrender to God and allow him to use us for his glory? I started to see God’s hand in all of this after my mom was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. What if my mom had to go through thyroid cancer to be a reflection of God’s light, that same light that is so much a part of her own life, to help someone else going through the same experience? To her, everything she experienced was worth it if it helped even one person. God has had his hand over her the entire time. If he does that for her, he can do that for you. But that doesn’t mean that he will have the same plan for you because we each have a unique purpose to fulfill in our life. If you surrender your life to God and allow him to use you, he will also give your life purpose and meaning.

My mom is the strongest woman I know, and even though cancer made her body weak, God stepped in and made her spirit strong. Rejoicing through the tears is exactly how it sounds. Through the tears and the struggle, you can still rejoice and find freedom because, no matter how severe your circumstances, you can always find hope in Jesus Christ. Rejoicing through the Tears is not only the title of my mom’s book; it is the title of her life. I am truly blessed to be able to call Brenda George my mom. I pray that through this book there will be a divine transfer of faith, peace, and joy and that as you read this book, you will be encouraged to reach out beyond yourself into the loving arms of Jesus.

I am sure that my sister and brother, Bethany and Travis will say with me, Her children rise up and call her blessed. (Proverbs 31:28)

With love,

Sarah, Bethany, and Travis

About the Author

Brenda George resides with her husband, Mark, in Marysville, Ohio. She is the mother of two grown daughters, Sarah and Bethany, a teenaged son, Travis, and grandmother to three adorable grandchildren, Savannah, Landon, and Jackson. Last but not least, she is the proud owner of her beloved Old English sheepdog, Maggie.

In high school, in her junior year, Brenda was listed in Who’s Who among American High School Students for her achievement in the Miss Teenage America Pageant. Her poem My Child, My Friend was published in the Poetry Guild’s anthology, By the Light of the Moon, in 1997.

Brenda is currently working on her next book and is planning speaking engagements to encourage other people who may be dealing with a cancer diagnosis or any other illness. She is also pursuing a career in nursing.

Since being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2007, Brenda wants to inspire people everywhere to never give up hope. They, too, can learn to rejoice through their tears and become stronger than they were before.

Acknowledgments

This book is dedicated to so many. First and foremost, it is written on behalf of those who have had a cancer diagnosis or any chronic illness, for that matter. This book is in honor of the millions of precious lives that have been cut short long before their time because of this dreaded disease, one of whom is my son-in-law’s wonderful mother, Pamela Sue Franey, who lost her battle with colon cancer seventeen years ago.

This book is also dedicated to Kit Redman, who I knew for many years before either of us were diagnosed with cancer. You are such an inspiration to me as you have not let this disease change the person you are inside. You have always had that determination and sense of humor that so many of us know and love.

I would like to thank Kay Mitchell. I have always admired your wonderful contribution to your students at OSU and have been inspired from the many books you have written.

I would also like to thank the staff at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and to all of my doctors who were involved in my diagnosis and treatment. I have fully trusted you with my life and would recommend all of you to anyone. I was so fortunate to have the privilege to meet you and to receive such tremendous care.

And to my entire family. Where do I begin? Mere words are not adequate to express my love and thanks to each one of you. You have all played a part in my full recovery. You are what make each day count and make life a little sweeter each new day:

Mark, thank you for lending an ear to listen to the many excerpts I’ve read to you while writing this book. This has been a long two years, and I know I’ve been pretty moody many days. To my son-in-law, Chuck, thank you for your encouragement. I love your sense of humor. No matter what I’m going through, you usually make me laugh. To my daughter, Sarah, thank you for your faith in me as I wrote this book. You have been such fun to be around, and I love your determination in whatever you are doing. I appreciate your artistic touch in helping to design the cover for this book. To my other daughter, Bethany, thank you for helping me to learn Microsoft Word. You are the most patient person I know. To my son-in-law, Josh, thank you for getting my computer up and running so that I could write my book. I know you knew how important it was to me, and I’ll always love you for it. I also know it has been hard for you because you lost your mom to cancer. To Travis, my son, I love you just because you’re you. You always believed I could do it. To my granddaughter, Savannah, thanks sweetie, for the adorable artwork. You are so talented. To my little grandson, Landon, thank you for just being my sweetie pie. You have already inspired me to write my next book just as soon as this one is finished. To my other grandson, Jackson, I love you so much already. You are a fighter. I know God has something big for your life. To my mom, you’ve always been my biggest cheerleader. You never gave up hope. I guess that’s just what a mother does. Thanks so much for listening to me read the same stuff over and over again and acting like it was the first time you’d ever heard it. We cried together many times as I shared with you some of my deepest feelings. Thanks for seeing me through until the end. To my brother, Brent, and my nephews, Brian and Brandon, thank you for all of your loving words, encouragement, and the flowers and Starbucks drinks. I will never forget. I love you guys!

I would also like to thank all of you for the technical support. Although I’ve come a long way, I’m still not as computer savvy as I’d like to be. If it weren’t for you, this book may not have come to completion, but still be tucked away in a drawer somewhere, screaming to get out.

A special person I want to mention is Brenna McGuire. Since we both went through thyroid cancer, we share a special bond. I love you, Brenna!

I will be forever grateful to each one of you for your unique way of contributing to the writing of this book. I love you all.

Most important, I want to thank my God. You gently put your hand in mine and led me each step of the way. Many times you carried me. You are my passion for living and my motivation behind this book. It’s all about you.

Introduction

According to the latest statistics, thyroid cancer is on the rise. Whether you or someone you know has thyroid or another type of cancer or illness, Rejoicing through the Tears is written just for you.

A cancer diagnosis is very frightening. In fact, to most, it can be devastating. There are many types of cancer, and each case is unique. Many people beat this dreaded disease and go on to live full lives, but we know all too well that there are many who do not.

Regardless of your prognosis, my hope for you after reading Rejoicing through the Tears is to gain new insight into the comfort God can give you. You don’t have to go through this experience alone. He will walk you through it, even carry you in his arms if need be. He will hold you and tend to your brokenness like a shepherd tending to his injured lamb. My prayer for you is to have a revelation of the vast love of Almighty God. Slip your hand in his, and let him lead you ever so gently through, whether it is to live out your life for many more years or to lead you to the other side. His plan is always perfect.

There can be life after a cancer diagnosis. It doesn’t always have to mean the end. I am living proof. Although I have no guarantee of another day, I refuse to live one waking day worrying about it. Worry cannot add a single day to anyone’s life

Philippians 4: 4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say rejoice! Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness. The Lord is near. Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Rejoicing through the Tears is my personal journey through thyroid cancer and is written for the whole person, body, mind, and soul. I have added many uplifting Scripture passages that will ignite your faith. There is also a special section with my own personal tips to help you become fit, healthy, and to regain your vitality once again after having cancer. There are many little nuggets of wisdom to encourage you and to keep your attitude in line with God’s word. I believe a healthy attitude is a key factor in recovering from any illness. Cancer leaves you with a fear of the unknown, but after reading Rejoicing through the Tears, you will be encouraged and receive renewed hope. While cancer is a frightening word, nothing is impossible with God. Psalm 118: 14 The Lord is my Strength and Song; and he has become my Salvation.

There is a section for caregivers of thyroid cancer patients and their families which contains resources and information about thyroid cancer, various websites, and cancer support groups. It is written with a bit of a sense of humor and a hint of patriotism, suggesting to the reader, the importance of love of God and country. I have always loved my country and still get cold chills when I hear the National Anthem and see our great American Flag waving so proudly. I believe our attitudes and beliefs about ourselves and others, as well as our faith in God and country are the driving force behind our actions, and they propel us forward to